The Best Homemade Pierogi Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting delectable homemade pierogi brings pure culinary joy to kitchen adventurers seeking comfort and tradition.

Polish dumplings pack incredible flavor into every carefully folded pocket of dough.

Soft, pillowy crescents stuffed with savory potato and cheese promise a delightful meal that connects you to generations of home cooking.

Generations of cooks have perfected these delicate parcels, passing down techniques that make each bite memorable.

Mastering pierogi requires patience and love, but the rewards come quickly when steam rises from your first golden batch.

Crisp edges, tender fillings, and a sprinkle of caramelized onions will make you feel like a true eastern European chef.

You can create magic in your kitchen with this authentic recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

What Makes Homemade Pierogi A Classic Favorite

• Master Homemade Comfort: Discover the joy of crafting authentic pierogi from scratch with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend cooking adventures that bring everyone together around the table.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Experiment with different fillings like mushrooms, sauerkraut, or sweet variations to suit every taste preference and dietary need.
• Cultural Cooking Experience: Learn a traditional Eastern European cooking technique that connects you to rich culinary heritage while creating delicious memories.

What Ingredients Are In Homemade Pierogi

• Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture for the pierogi wrapper.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough ingredients together.
• Water: Helps create a smooth and elastic dough consistency.

• Potatoes: The primary base of the filling, offering a creamy and hearty texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and tangy flavor to complement the potatoes.
• Onions: Adds depth and sweetness to the filling when sautéed.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a subtle spicy kick to the potato-cheese mixture.

• Butter: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when pan-frying the pierogi.
• Chives: Offers a fresh, mild onion-like garnish for added flavor and color.
• Sour Cream: A classic, cool accompaniment that balances the rich pierogi.

How To Prepare Homemade Pierogi Easily

Step 1: Create Soft Pierogi Dough

Mix flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. The flour will become the base for your delightful pierogi adventure.

• Flour
• Salt
• Egg
• Water

Form a small well in the center of the flour mixture. Crack the egg into the well and gradually add water. Blend everything together until you have a smooth, elastic dough that feels springy when touched.

Step 2: Knead the Dough to Perfection

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until the texture becomes silky and uniform. Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for half an hour.

Step 3: Prepare Delicious Potato Cheese Filling

• Mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sautéed diced onions
• Black pepper

Mix all ingredients until they blend smoothly and create a delectable filling.

Step 4: Roll Out Pierogi Wrappers

Spread the rested dough on a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness, ensuring an even and thin consistency.

Step 5: Cut Uniform Dough Circles

Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut perfect circles from the rolled dough. These will become your pierogi wrappers.

Step 6: Fill and Shape Pierogi

Place a small amount of potato-cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.

Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pinching and crimping with your fingers.

Step 7: Boil Pierogi to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop pierogi in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface.

Remove pierogi with a slotted spoon and let them drain briefly.

Step 8: Create Crispy Golden Exterior

Melt butter in a skillet until it turns golden and fragrant. Gently pan-fry the boiled pierogi until they develop a crispy, light-brown exterior.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream for a classic, comforting meal that will warm hearts and satisfy hunger.

Helpful Tips For Homemade Pierogi

• Prevent Dough Stickiness: Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to keep the dough from clinging and ensure smooth rolling.
• Achieve Perfect Seal: Press pierogi edges firmly with a fork or pinch carefully to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
• Control Filling Quantity: Use a small spoon to measure consistent filling amounts, avoiding overstuffing that can cause pierogi to burst.
• Optimize Boiling Technique: Add pierogi gently to simmering water and avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain water temperature and prevent sticking.
• Enhance Flavor Profile: Sauté pierogi in butter with caramelized onions for extra richness and a golden-brown crispy exterior.

Ways To Switch Up Homemade Pierogi

• Gluten-Free Pierogi: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and potato starch, creating a lighter, celiac-friendly wrapper that maintains the classic pierogi texture.
• Vegan Potato Filling: Swap cheese for nutritional yeast and cashew cream, adding roasted garlic and caramelized onions for depth of flavor in a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use thinly sliced cabbage leaves as wrappers instead of dough, stuffing with cauliflower-based potato substitute and herbs for a keto-friendly option.
• Mushroom Wilderness Variation: Replace potato filling with wild mushroom medley, sautéed porcini, shiitake, and cremini mixed with fresh thyme and goat cheese for an earthy, rustic profile.

Good Pairings For Homemade Pierogi

• Pair Perfectly with Potato Cheese Pierogi
• Enhance Flavor with Crisp Riesling: Light, slightly sweet German white wine cuts through the rich, creamy pierogi filling, balancing the cheesy potatoes with refreshing acidity.
• Complement with Tangy Sauerkraut Salad: Zippy, fermented cabbage side dish provides sharp contrast to the buttery, soft pierogi, adding bright, crunchy texture to the meal.
• Serve Alongside Caramelized Onion Applesauce: Sweet-savory condiment brings warmth and depth, matching the potato-cheese flavor profile while offering a smooth, comforting accompaniment.
• Match with Cold Polish Lager: Crisp, clean beer cleanses the palate between bites, cutting through the pierogi's richness and enhancing the overall dining experience.

How To Store Homemade Pierogi The Right Way

• Store cooked pierogi in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Lay uncooked pierogi on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll keep perfectly for 3 months. Mark the date on the bag for easy tracking.
• Drop frozen pierogi directly into boiling water for 3-4 minutes. They'll emerge hot and tender, just like freshly made. Drain well before serving.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed pierogi in a buttered skillet over medium heat. Flip gently until golden and crispy on both sides, restoring their delightful crunch.

Homemade Pierogi Frequently Asked Questions

• Is pierogi dough difficult to make?

Pierogi dough is surprisingly simple. With basic ingredients like flour, egg, and water, you can create a smooth, elastic dough by kneading for just 5-7 minutes.

• How do I prevent pierogi from opening during cooking?

Seal edges meticulously by pinching and crimping with your fingers. Ensure no air pockets remain and press edges firmly to create a tight seal.

• Can I make pierogi ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare pierogi in advance. After forming, place them on a floured tray and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze for longer storage.

Homemade Pierogi Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Polish pierogi deliver comfort straight from Eastern European kitchens, blending delicate dough with hearty potato and cheese fillings. Crispy pan-fried edges and rich flavors will transport you to a warm family gathering with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup water

Filling:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Topping/Garnish:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft the dough by combining flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a soft, pillowy foundation for your pierogi.
2. Create a central well in the flour mixture and crack the egg into it, gradually incorporating water to form a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when touched.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes silky and uniform, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
4. While the dough relaxes, prepare the filling by blending mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar, sautéed diced onions, and a sprinkle of black pepper until thoroughly combined.
5. Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness, ensuring an even, thin consistency.
6. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut uniform circles from the rolled dough, creating the pierogi wrappers.
7. Place a small dollop of potato-cheese filling in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill.
8. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and meticulously seal the edges by pinching and crimping with your fingers.
9. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil, then carefully drop the pierogi in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface.
10. Remove the pierogi with a slotted spoon and let them drain briefly.
11. In a skillet, melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant, then gently pan-fry the boiled pierogi until they develop a crispy, light-brown exterior.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream for a classic, comforting presentation.

Notes

• Customize fillings by swapping potato-cheese for sauerkraut, ground meat, or sweet fruit variations to explore diverse flavor profiles.
• Prevent dough from drying by covering unused portions with a damp kitchen towel during preparation, ensuring consistent texture and workability.
• Freeze uncooked pierogi on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags, allowing quick meal preparation for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
• Enhance texture by using cold ingredients and avoiding overworking the dough, which helps maintain a tender, delicate pierogi wrapper that melts in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg